Pre Race Jitters!!

I cannot believe that it's been a year since last year's Trans Alpine Race, when I was writing a similar entry from my guesthouse in Oberstdorf, Germany. This year, I am sitting in my guesthouse in Ruhpolding, Germany but feeling some very familiar things!

The last 6 weeks of my training were very eventful, and filled with 2 training weekends in the Rockies!! Both weekends contained 3 solid days of running and hiking with some great elevation and some great times with friends!!!

Running into the Assiniboine lodge for a long weekend!

Great running and hiking weekend at Lake O'Hara!!

 The last 3 weeks have been very challenging physically, and I have been having some issues with my back, glutes and legs again. Again, Martha Sirdevan has been my physio angel, treating me 2-3 times a week at "Suite Physio" and at Wave Physiotherapy. I have really tapered, and am trying to rest and let my muscles and nerves settle down before the race.

Martha (on Right) is not only a great physio, but a great runner too!!!

I'd be completely lying if I didn't tell you that this has planted some doubt in my mind, and that I am scared that my body will not hold up for the 8 days!!!

I decided to stop by PEI again before heading to Germany for a quick trip to visit my family, relax, rest my body, but really try to calm my mind and de-stress before the race! I had a great visit, and was so happy I went!!! I tried not to think about the race at all, and it worked!!! When a family member was saying goodbye and wishing me good luck, I asked them for what!!!? Island life is simple and very relaxing......:)

New cottage construction- the new view from "My" Room:)

On Tuesday night I flew to Montreal, and got to sit with my cousin, Jana who was heading back to Ottawa. (I am a horrible person to travel with, because I fall asleep almost instantly as soon as I sit down and we start moving!!!) From Montreal, I flew straight into Munich! And somehow, I managed a seat in Business Class!! It was amazing!!! But again, my borderline narcolepsy got the best of me, and I was asleep after my gnocchi and vino.......waking up just before landing!!!

Things really were better in first class.... ruined for economy class now!!

From Munich, I took a few trains to Ruhpolding where I found the guesthouse and my polygamy family! (AKA my TAR partner,Rene, her husband Trent and son Carter!)
It was great to meet up with them and catch up!! I feel like I haven't seen Rene in a month!!!

Carter, Trent and Rene first night in Ruhpolding

So, today we did a quick day trip to Salzburg, Austria then met up with the Canmore team of Mike and Johnny! It was great to meet up with them and pick up our race packets, and have some good pasta and laughs!!

Johnny and Mike outside the train station

I think you are now caught up on the last 6 weeks.....
So tomorrow, is the last day before the race starts Saturday morning. I plan on getting a great night's sleep then taking it easy and staying stress free by doing some knitting. I know it always calms my nerves:)
So, with a longer, harder race this year, our game plan is to take it one day at a time. Don't look ahead. And be in the moment. Whatever it's going to look like this year.

I am so excited to see what route Wolfgang (aka Wolfie) has set out for us this year......I'm sure we will be cursing his name at least once again this year!